Henry Cavill reportedly beat actors such as Matthew Goode, Armie Hammer and Matthew Bomer to win the role of Superman.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Goode - star of Superman director Zack Snyder's Watchmen - was the runner-up for the coveted comic book part.

The Social Network's Hammer, Colin Oâ€™Donaghue (The Rite) and TV stars Bomer (White Collar) and Joe Manganiello (True Blood) were also in the running to play the Man of Steel.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Cavill, who has appeared in Stardust and Showtime's The Tudors, is said to have only found out that he landed the role hours before Warner Bros made the official announcement on Sunday.

The 27-year-old British actor almost played Superman before in director McG's proposed movie in 2004. When the director was replaced by Bryan Singer, Brandon Routh was chosen instead to lead the cast of Superman Returns.

Cavill also auditioned for Batman Begins and Casino Royale but lost out to Christian Bale and Daniel Craig for the high-profile franchise roles.

Snyder's as-yet-untitled Superman movie, penned by David Goyer and produced by Christopher Nolan, will open in cinemas in December 2012.